[VHFcontesting] Rule Change Discussion

[Dave Page]

> http://www.w5ov.com/Rule_Change_Strawman.htm

	This proposal does not clearly define captive rover. Thus, the continuing 
controversy -- no one, it seems, can define captivity in a way that does not cut 
across someone's independent rover operation. (Largely, because there is little 
difference in fact, only in politics). 
	Since there would be a large incentive to rove "independent" but no 
enforceable rule to differentiate between independent and captive, all participants 
under these proposed changes will simply file "independent."
	Further, the purpose of QSO points is to recognize that contacts become 
more difficult as the frequency increases. Captive rovers operate under the same 
physics as everyone else. 
	In addition, this rule proposal fails to address the inequity in the scoring of 
circling rovers versus DX rovers -- which is the largest problem with the current 
rules. 

	The political debate is this: should the cost of entry to the contest be a 
commitment to collectivism. Should stations be free to work whomever they want, 
wherever they want  (leaving the op to decide what "fun" is). Or are stations the 
collective property of the contest, and thus be forced to work everyone they can 
(with the ARRL deciding what "fun" is).
	The collectivist rovers will be forced to select their sites to ensure they work 
at least N stations on each band. They will need to remain near populated areas, or 
drop the higher bands in order to make the proper "showing." Collectivist scoring will 
decrease pleasure and decrease grid activation, decreasing contest activity. On the 
other hand, free rovers determine what "fun" is for them -- which is the best way to 
ensure they continue to participate. 

	It is ironic that this rule proposal refers to non-captive stations as 
"independent" -- they would be anything but. It is the way of collectivists everywhere 
to redefine terms to suit their agenda: to a collectivist "freedom" means freedom 
from the tedium of having to make many choices.

	Long live free rovers.

		Regards - Dave KD3NC